nordski

In the general guidelines for this board there is a request for a broad tolerance of grammatical errors given the very differing backgrounds of people who post here. If one has ceased to benefit from some poster’s efforts I believe that there is a blocking function that should help alleviate frustrations.

takemewithyou has provided excellent guidance. I would only add that our last experience in Blu (Eclipse early 2020) was rather different than previous ones. It seemed that they wished to limit the area used by diners, so we were limited in where we could sit (mostly at the windows) resulting in rather cramped quarters. Secondly, we struggled somewhat to communicate with the Maître D concerning food allergies. Given those issues although we previously would have ranked Blu as almost equivalent to Discoveries, that particular experience did not live up to that assessment.

Those sound like very attractive itineraries. We too are reconsidering long-haul flights, although a flight giving us access to Yorkshire would be the exception we might consider. 😀 It is not just physical comfort that is a concern, but a blizzard last weekend threw the handling of passengers/luggage at North American airports into chaos, Not really interested in experiencing that.

Frankly, given the extensive knowledge that you have shared with others, particularly of Med ports, AZ would be wise to tap into your skills. Personally, we especially benefitted from your notes on Herculaneum. Hope that AZ proves a good fit for your future cruises. I think you will enjoy some of their more imaginative itineraries. VTA attracted a niche market so there are certainly cruisers looking for a replacement.

We’d like to echo Mackdodmolly’s wishes for all on this forum. We are still on a blizzard warning here, so the fireplace will definitely come into play if the power goes out. Although, at this point, Québec has more outages than Ontario. She didn’t share what music plays in the background. Here it is Sarah McLachlan’s “The Classic Christmas Album”.

We took a version of that trip. If it is the same leather factory where the bus dropped us, it is near a Church and Palazzo. I think the Church is Santa Croce. Regardless, if my memory is correct it was about a 10 minute walk to the Ufizzi on streets that are mostly limited to pedestrians. To get back to the ship, we met at the Church as it was a bit of a hike to the pickup spot. That location was in a fairly large park where a number of tourist buses parked. Of course, all of this is dependent upon them going to the same showroom. I hope others can add details from their experience and correct my memory where it has gone astray. Enjoy the Ufizzi. It is one of my favourites.

Yes, not appropriate as we near the Holiday Season. I apologize.

Celebrate with glasses of Champagne…..Oh….I see.🤨

Unfortunately, for the next few year, regardless of party there may not be much in the Budget for creating a new cruise port. It just seems strange that there are virtually no choices in your area. Is the nearest the Port of Tyne?

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping. From a selfish point of view, it is unfortunate that there seems to be little enthusiasm for a cruise port at Hull that would allow relatively easy access to interesting sights.

Always impressed by the Humber River and that magnificent bridge. Those views certainly make for an impactful walk. Some day I hope we can see it in person. Couldn’t an Azamara ship make its way at least up to the bridge?

Who can forget the heated exchanges on this Board when Larry P. announced the “more inclusive” policy? Some posters were convinced that this change would result in the “Carnivalization” of Azamara and perhaps the inevitable “hairy chest” and “belly flop” contests at the pool. Okay, that may be an exaggeration but there was a concern that drunkenness might be a common problem. There was so much concern that cruisers were offered the opportunity to cancel (at no penalty if memory serves) and our first CBO here, Bill Leiber, earned his pay. Fortunately, it doesn’t appear that the worst has occurred, but in a positive light the rather unique attachment to the Azamara experience means that any change onboard continues to often be met with valid concern as to its possible impact.

in our region, “stick season” lasts all winter and its extent and impact can be clearly identified when the snow melts, I just put out our second shift of yard waste bags (20) and have 3 bags left for final pickup. I have convinced my wife that leaving the leaves where they fall, and making a half-hearted attempt to mulch them, is the more sustainable practice for our planet. Unfortunately, as the winds rise, the arrival of our leaves on neighbouring lawn might exacerbate some negative thoughts up and down our street.

Indeed.

Great idea to become a facilitator and ensure that the gathering had a purpose and a positive result.

Apt description of getting “strung out” or “blocked in rows”. That first rather informal M&G was, in some ways, the best one I have attended. But it does put some pressure on the Host/Hostess to make it work and to aid, if possible, the circulation.

Interesting background. On our first Azamara cruise in 2011the M&G was hosted by a member of the Roll Call and, as you suggest, although I didn’t appreciate it at the time it involved some serious commitment on her part. Gradually the concept evolved with drinks, food, and the presence of some of the ship’s officers. Perhaps surprisingly, I found that initial experience more personal and we formed a friendship that has lasted to this day. So I would still value the lower profile that you mention at the end of your post.

Just a heads up. Amazon Prime Video will be presenting a series based upon Louise Penney’s Three Pines this December.

Perhaps there is a glitch in using an iPhone to post the photos. I usually don’t struggle with the process. Thanks for the praise, given that I am certain that your fall colours are equally, if not more, attractive.

Once again, I just can’t resist posting cliché autumn photos from the forests of Southern Ontario, The colours are very bright this year but the pictures suffer a bit as it is an overcast day. The photo of my daughter under the gloriously coloured tree is one we take as an annual tradition. Now the maple trees are storing nutrients in their roots as they prepare to survive winter and for the flow of sap in the spring. And we all know what marvellous product will be the result, Apologies for the duplicate photos and strange layout. I can’t seem to correct either problem

I admire your positive attitude and the meal you were served looks fantastic. I find it a bit mystifying as to why they would offer a speed boat experience on the idyllic waters around Kotor, but obviously there is a market for such a tour. Really appreciate the time and effort you are devoting to helping us share in your experience. It’s been a delight to read.

No it is s not a joke and yes it sounds horrific. Why can’t people just enjoy pumpkin pie as we will this evening?

Thanks!!! One thing to be thankful for is that, although you can buy pumpkin spice syrup, no one has yet decided to add pumpkin spice to maple syrup. I am certain you will agree that that is a Good Thing! But you now can purchase pumpkin spice poutine and a pumpkin spice latté. And that is NOT a Good Thing!

This is our commemorative Thanksgiving Day in Canada and I hope that, despite all the trials and tribulations that posters on this board may have encountered over the past year, there are also elements of that year that each person can remember and celebrate. I am particularly cognizant of those who have suffered in recent storms both on our East Coast and in the United States, and also of the ongoing toll taken by the presence of Covid. But we can be warmed by the thoughts of Thanksgiving gatherings in the past and moments of happiness that they brought. We can also anticipate new challenges and experiences in the year ahead. Happy Thanksgiving!

For the sake of authenticity, as a former track coach I can give free instruction as to how to present the proper form in the starting blocks in the stadium. But I am not such a stickler that I would insist that the demonstration be performed in the nude and with no women present since that would violate the religious rules guiding the competition. 😄